Aviator: Two Indian cricketers have earned a comeback to the Test squad for the 2025 England tour. Their consistent domestic performances and prior international experience impressed selectors. This return marks a crucial opportunity for both players to re-establish themselves in the longer format as India prepares for a challenging overseas series against a strong English side.
Two Indian Cricketers Make a Test Comeback for 2025 England Tour
Aviator: Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is widely recognized for his valuable dual skills as a seam-bowling all-rounder in Test cricket. With the ability to both bat and bowl effectively, he brings balance and depth to the Indian Test team. Over the course of his 11-match Test career, Thakur has made notable contributions with both bat and ball. He has scored four half-centuries, showing resilience and technique when batting, often providing crucial lower-order runs. With the ball, he has taken 31 wickets, consistently troubling batsmen with his pace and movement. His all-round performances have made him an important player in India’s Test setup.
Hailing from Mumbai, Thakur’s journey has been marked by perseverance and hard work. After a period away from the national Test side, he has earned a well-deserved recall following his impressive performances in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season. His strong form in domestic cricket highlighted his readiness to return to the international arena. This resurgence was key in convincing the selectors to bring him back into the Test squad.
Shardul last featured in a Test match during India’s home series against South Africa in December 2023. Since then, he has focused on improving his game, particularly by contributing more consistently with both bat and ball in domestic matches. His recent performances demonstrate that he remains a vital asset for India’s bowling and batting line-up, especially as the team prepares for challenging overseas tours like the upcoming England series.
Aviator: Karun Nair
Karun Nair has made a remarkable and unexpected return to the Indian Test cricket team after an eight-year absence. His last appearance in a Test match was in March 2017 during the series against Australia, soon after he had created history by scoring a magnificent triple-century against England. That innings had put him in the spotlight as one of India’s promising middle-order batsmen, but since then, his international career had stalled.
Aviator: Nair’s re-selection for the upcoming 2025 England tour is largely a result of his outstanding performances in domestic cricket, where he has demonstrated consistent form and resilience. Playing for Vidarbha in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, Nair was instrumental in his team’s success, helping them clinch the title. Over the season, he amassed an impressive total of 863 runs at a healthy average of 54. His contribution included four centuries and two half-centuries, showcasing his ability to play long, impactful innings and handle different match situations.
This sustained excellence in the domestic circuit has caught the selectors’ attention and earned him a well-deserved spot back in the national squad. Nair’s experience, combined with his recent form, makes him a valuable asset for the Indian Test team as they prepare to face the challenging conditions of an England tour.
His comeback story underscores the value of perseverance and dedication, showing that steady and strong performances in domestic cricket can open the door back to the international stage. By staying focused and working hard, he demonstrated that talent combined with consistent effort is key to earning a place in the national team again. This journey serves as an inspiring example that setbacks are temporary, and with determination, players can revive their careers and achieve success at the highest level of the sport.
